World cup fever grips Kerala as the final draws near
Published July 9, 2010 | 
The soccer crazy folks of Kerala is waiting with bated breath for the final match that will be held in a few hours from now. Live TV coverage, hartal induced holidays and heavy monsoon rains that forced people to remain indoors have set the perfect backdrop for the people on Kerala to discuss their favorite topic of football all these days. It goes without saying that the northern districts like Malapuram and Kozhikode follow this game more passionately than their counterparts in other parts of Kerala. It is interesting to note that in Malappuram, the names of certain villages have been re-christened as Brazil Nagar and Argentina Nagar, though these titans had an early exit from the world cup. Though Brazil started off as all-time favourites, they crashed out of the match fairly early resulting in quite a few heart burns among the Brazil soccer fan community.
With a rather unexpected Dutch Vs Spain world cup final on the cards, the equations have changed rapidly and the loyalties shifted! From painting their vehicles in the colors of the national flags of these teams to donning the orange and red jerseys representing the Dutch and the Spain respectively, everything speak of their unconditional love for this sport. World cup finals have boosted the sales of LCD TVs even in smaller towns thanks to the live coverage by the ESPN sports channels. The younger generation could be seen introducing some of their favorite players to the elder members in the family to build up the fun and the excitement in the family living rooms during the telecast of live matches.
It is interesting to note that even IT companies have come up with innovative ideas to keep tab on the latest scores of their favorite teams. Innoz Technologies based at Technopark has created a software, which will let you know live scores through SMS.
Hotels like Udaya Samudra in Kovalam is organising a food festival till the World Cup ends and its staff would be dressed in football jerseys. It is interesting to note that they have added quite a few soccer themed specialties to their menu as well to celebrate the ongoing soccer mood. You can have French grills or Ronaldo Strawberry Margarita while enjoying the game on the big screen TVs in the hotel lobby. The count down has started and the entire Kerala is in the grip of soccer fever that has transcended the barriers of time and space to take the soccer crazy populace of Kerala into a frenzy.
Meanwhile Paul, the octopus has predicted that Spain will win the Fifa world Cup 2010 Final on 11th July! So it is going to be a nail biting finish for sure! Be there to catch it all live on the screens:)
Kerala beaches- Lamps amidst nature’s best!
Published June 29, 2010 | 
Fancy holidaying with the sun, sand, sea and surf? Kerala beaches bring out the best of what nature has to offer blending it with its splendid beauty. A land blessed with Golden beaches, crisscrossing backwaters, palm fringed canals, rich and versatile culture. Kerala is networked by 44 rivers and truly stands out as perhaps the most fascinating part of India, slowly being discovered and explored by the people of the country.
For those who seek refuge from the stress and pollution of modern life, Kerala beaches are havens of serenity and peace, making perfect vacations.
The Other Side of Kerala Economy
Published April 30, 2010 | 
It is heartening to note that tourism in Kerala, registering a steady growth in the last decade has emerged to be one of the main sources of revenue. This tiny southern state of Kerala has become one of the most sought after destinations in India, ahead of Rajasthan and even the Taj Mahal of Agra, which is a matter of pride for all. At present Kerala tourism revenue is pegged at Rs.13000 Crore and has created many direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local populace. The annual tourists footfall of Kerala is around 83.5 lakhs out of which 5.5 lakh tourists are from foreign countries.
Gone are the days when Kerala tourism just revolved around Kovalam , Munnar, Thekkadi and Fort Kochi. These days many new interesting leisure options including house boat cruises and adventure tourism are on the offer in Kerala, much to the delight of the tourists. There are convenient packages that bring out the quintessential charm of Kerala and that suit every budget. The sheer multitude of leisure activities ranging from beach fun, adventure, backwater leisure activities and nature trails and wild life is what makes Kerala, a highly popular destination among tourists.
With the focus being shifted to the less explored spots like Malabar, Wayanad and Palakkad, tourism in Kerala is well poised for a big leap in the coming years. With many prestigious international hotel chains including US-based MGM Mirage Hospitality and Amari from Thailand among others are starting their operations soon in Kerala, the discerning travelers can expect a really high notch experience in Kerala.
Now the other side of Kerala economy: It is baffling to note that the other major source of revenue for Kerala comes through the sales of liquor, which is something not very commendable! It is paradoxical that Kerala also tops the list of the highest per capita liquor consumption in India where the state-owned Kerala State Beverages Corporation Ltd, serves as the sole distributor of IMFL ( Indian Made Foreign Liquor). The tippler sales records an all time high during Onam, Christmas and New Year. Even on ordinary days you can see winding queues in front of the beverages corporation outlets. Kerala, indeed is a land of paradoxes, which excites , baffles and exhilarates you at the same time! Make the most of it 
Kerala featured in the top ten winter holiday destinations.
Published December 7, 2009 | 
As the nippy winter season in Europe is at its peak, tourists are looking for tropical and balmy destinations to enjoy a well deserved sun tan and to escape the gloom of the gray weather back home. Irish times.com has included Kerala along with the Caribbeans, Hawaii, Canary Islands, Egypt, Tunisia, Dubai, Thailand, Morocco and Dubai as the top 10 winter holiday spots this year .
With many Governments mulling over the issue of making winter holidays tax free, Kerala is likely to see a surge in winter holiday makers. From December to April is one of the best seasons to visit Kerala as the rains have just finished and the tropical sun is not at its peak. A guided tour is the best possible way to explore Kerala as most of the must see spots are tucked away in the remote hinterlands and high ranges.
Cochin is the right spot to kick off your Kerala tour as the international airport here is connected to various destinations around the world. The heritage zone of Fort kochi which is famous for the Portuguese remnants and period architectural styled edifices, Chinese fishing nets and the beaches will help you rid off the jet lag. A house boat cruise in Kumarakom, the quaint beach resorts of Aleppey and a flop along the vast coastline of Kerala with many beaches including the palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam would serve as a great starter. After the sun and the fun of the beaches it is time for you to move up into the hill stations to take a peek into the tropical forests, tea plantations, spice gardens, tiger reserves and more.
The wild life enthusiasts are ensured of an exciting fare. You can spot freely roaming wild life herds at Gavi at Munnar or indulge in birdwatching at the world famous wetland of Ramsar site, home to many rare migratory birds during winter. A burst of sunshine in the darkest days of the year in the other side of the globe might do you good!
Kovalam wakes up to the call of Responsible Tourism
Published May 16, 2008 | 
Thiruvananthapuram: The fabled beach resort of Kovalam is all set to join the celebrity bandwagon of a few elite destinations in Kerala that have already introduced Responsible Tourism. Kumarakom was the pioneer in taking up this ground breaking decision followed by Thekkady and Wayanad, which have already launched this system on a trial basis.
The committee set up is trying to develop the all important link between the tourism industry and local entrepreneurship. A survey was conducted to monitor the consumption patterns of over 100 hotels that are located near the beach resort and a part of their requirements will be sourced from the local community. Home grown products such as vegetables and diary products shall be delivered to the hotels and Kudumbasree units would be playing a larger than life role in this initiative.
An agreement has already been inked to supply the local farm produce to some of the hotels in Kovalam to meet their needs. Apart from these, self help groups would also supply eco-friendly baskets and paper bags, thereby reducing the distressing impacts on the environment and social set up. It is aimed at improving the living standards of the host communities.
It also focuses on improving working conditions apart from involving the local populace in the decision-making process that affects their lives. The best part is that this initiative would involve the local community including the tour operators and nearby educational institutions in the promotion of eco friendly tourism.
Explore Kerala exclusively through the waterways
Published March 26, 2008 | 
Kochi: If the latest reports are any indication, travelling across Kerala through waterways would be a reality in the near future. The Kollam- Kottappuram waterway, which was declared the national waterway, has already been commissioned and work on the Kollam-Kovalam waterway is steadily progressing.
Apart from the commissioning of the waterways, special emphasis is laid in enhancing the infrastructure facilities for the fishing community. A mini fishing harbour would soon come up in Chellanam and construction work of over six new fishing harbours is in progress all across the state. A long time dream of the local fisher folk, the mini harbour at Chellanam would bring about a sea change in the fish processing facilities of this belt.
Government is also taking immediate steps for improving the condition of the existing harbours in Kerala. The latest in this line up include the Thankassery Harbour in Kollam, which was commissioned recently after restoration. The inclusion of Azheekkal Harbour in Kannur in the National Maritime project would bring in further impetus to the fishing industry of Kerala.